As I gazed out of the window on that serene Sunday morning, the wintry scene before me seemed to encapsulate the essence of the season, and it has been too long if you ask me. The freshly fallen snow delicately blanketed the landscape, creating a picturesque view.
Yet, as I contemplated the enduring presence of snow over the past five months, I couldn’t help but yearn for the imminent arrival of spring. Though the winter wonderland had its own undeniable allure, the prospect of bidding farewell to the snow-laden landscape and welcoming a new season brimming with vibrancy and warmth filled me with anticipation.
As I embarked on my graphic art course, the view from the window served as a gentle reminder of the symbiotic relationship between my surroundings and the artistic journey unfolding within. I was eager to channel the essence of the serene landscape outside into my creative pursuits within the course.
Patti from P.A. Moed – CREATIVE EXPLORATION IN WORDS AND PICTURES wrote: Show us buildings, skylines, the streets, the people, and life in public spaces. Or, if you want, focus on two cities, and compare their features. This is an interesting challenge, I am sure to come across to many places I have never visited and have an urge to visit – add them to my bucket list of unseen destinations.
I don’t have that huge amount of city shots from many cities, when we travel we mostly visit nature locations. When we visited Australia, my cousin was the best host and travel guide to Brisbane. He drove us around and showed us places we wouldn’t have thought about or, to be truthful, known about. It was a truly eye-opening experience, discovering hidden gems and local secrets that only a native would be privy to. It’s amazing how much richer a travel experience can be when guided by someone with a deep connection to the place. Our trip to Australia remains a cherished memory, and it’s all thanks to the unique perspectives and insider knowledge provided by my wonderful cousin.
Brisbane buildings
All photos can be enlarged by clicking on the image.
Brisbane, port, capital of Queensland, Australia, and the country’s third largest city. It lies astride the Brisbane River on the southern slopes of the Taylor Range, 12 miles (19 km) above the river’s mouth at Moreton Bay. You can see my photos of Brisbane CBD , Wheel of Brisbane, and Story Bridge just naming few.
We also visited Streets Beach at South Bank Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach boasts a sparkling blue lagoon surrounded by white, sandy beaches and sub-tropical plants. It is an oasis in the middle of Brisbane City.
Brisbane from another angle.
I enjoyed Ann-Christine’s circular challenge last week, who would have thought of how many circular things there are around us. Next week Tinafrom TRAVELS AND TRIFLES will once again bring us a new topic to challenge ourselves with. Until then, keep on smiling ☺.
To participate in this challenge, you should link to or leave a comment on the week’s host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag in your own post, so the post is easily found in the Reader.
And if you want even more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
I spent the day studying – doing graphic art – monotype. The day outside the window was foggy- a white or actually a grey blanket covering the view. I took these photos of foggy roads while on my way home.
Actually these images are very suitable for an inspiration for monotype technique. It is funny how much energy goes into this creative process of doing and learning. Mostly being disappointed in the outcome.
Here is my song for today. Have a great weekend! Hopefully not alone, if so, hopefully not lonely.
Diana Krall & Michael Bublé – ALONE AGAIN (NATURALLY)
Alone Again (Naturally)” is a song by Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan. Recorded in 1971, it became a worldwide hit. The song did not originally appear on his 1972 studio album Back to Front but has been included in reissues (often replacing “Clair”). The single spent six non-consecutive weeks at number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 between late July and early September 1972 in America. It ranked number two in the year-end chart and sold over two million copies. Diana Krall released a duet version with Michael Bublé on her 2015 album Wallflower.
Lepis is hosting Saturday Classics, you can add your own link here Saturday Classics
On Her page she writes: This blog is back with hosting the Classics after few years break. This time we’ll be playing on Saturdays and you can link straight here on this own page. Rules: There are no rules, as long as the song you play is a classic in your mind. Linking open 8 am and closes 12 pm.
The charming scene unfolds as we follow gravel lane, a picturesque path flanked by majestic old linden trees, creating a sense of timeless beauty and tranquility. Each step brings us closer to the historic Pyhäniemi manor in Hollola, a destination steeped in rich history and surrounded by natural splendor.
The cold icy signs of spring greeted me with a serene beauty that took my breath away. As I gazed at the tranquil blue sky and observed the icy waters glistening in the sunlight, I couldn’t help but feel happy by the enchanting sights that surrounded me. It was as if the ice itself had a story to tell, weaving a tale of nature’s artistry and resilience, resulting in a series of beautiful blue photos that serve as a testament to the ephemeral yet captivating essence of the season.
Bubbles in ice
The bubbles trapped within the frozen expanse of ice are truly a wondrous sight to behold. It’s as if nature itself has meticulously crafted a breathtaking work of art, with each delicate bubble suspended in time, waiting to be admired. It serves as a poignant reminder of the remarkable beauty that can be found in the most unexpected of places, just waiting to be discovered and appreciated.
This time I am showing you three of the wonderful doors from Hollola’s medieval stone church, constructed between 1495-1510. The doors have so many details. I’ll be also doing a separate post about the church, not just doors.
Here are some spring shots from my walk in Helsinki. There were many people about due to the sunny day, one even went for a swim.
On our walk you could see Suomenlinna. the winter setting in this scene evokes a sense of tranquility and historical charm. The tower is a part of a church Given the winter setting and architectural elements, this scene evokes a sense of tranquility and historical charm. The tower appears to be a significant landmark, perhaps part of a church or another notable building.. All photos can be enlarged by clicking on the them.
I loved this moody and atmospheric scene with silhouetted trees against a cloudy sky, I took it while in a moving car when traveling in Australia. I loved edited it to a minimalist style. The stark contrast between the dark silhouettes of the trees and the cloudy sky creates a sense of depth and mystery. In the end the edit came out serene and slightly ominous mood.
The sun, a gentle artist, paints the world in hues of serenity. In this frozen tableau, the shoreline stands as a sentinel, its icy armor glistening under the morning light. The partially frozen water whispers secrets of seasons past, its surface etched with delicate patterns.
hues of serenity
Beyond, the open expanse of water cradles vessels—silent witnesses to the ebb and flow of time. Their hulls, weathered and wise, navigate the boundary between liquid and frozen realms. Against the vast canvas of sky, they appear as mere brushstrokes, their purpose inscribed in the dance of wind and current.
Vessels navigate the boundary between liquid and frozen realms.
The heavens, too, play their part. Wisps of cloud drift lazily, casting fleeting shadows upon the ice. The azure expanse stretches infinitely, inviting contemplation and wonder. And there, on the distant horizon, where sky meets sea, a promise lingers—a promise of journeys yet to unfold.
As the day unfolds, this frozen symphony will thaw, yielding to life’s perpetual rhythm. But for now, let us linger—a moment suspended in time—captivated by the quietude of this frozen seascape.
March has brought us some sunny days and warmer weather, the wind still makes it cooler, but the amount of light increase is just wonderful. To wake up and the sun has already risen today at 6:44 and sunset 18:16. This does wonders to the my mood. The sea is not open yet, but soon.
A building with a warm, yellow facade, features rectangular windows, each framed in white. On the left side, a small balcony french balcony. Shadows of bare tree branches are cast upon the building’s facade, creating an artistic pattern. The blue sky reflected in the windows show the fair weather of this day.
The warm yellow hue of the building’s facade, the crisp white window frames, and the intricate patterns created by the tree shadows make this shot interesting.
On this March day, it was windy, a bit cold but sunny. I watched these – I am assuming that these people walking on the icr are artists living on the island. I was, as were many other walkers taking photos of then walking on the ice – as there was open sea and under currants there. We could not believe that they were doing it – too dangerous, all of us saying, no one will be able to come and rescue them if they fall into the ice. Yes, we finns do speak to each other even if we don’t know each other 🙂
Harakka Island is located a few minutes’ boat ride away from Kaivopuisto, by the open sea and in the middle of the delicate nature of the archipelago. The richness of the island’s vegetation and bird population is unparalleled. There are four nature reserves on the island.
March day in Helsinki
There is also Harakka Artists’ House on Harakka island houses 30 studios for professional artists and artisans.
These artists walking home over the ice, it caused many of us watcher’s missed heartbeats as there was open sea very close and undercurrents that might cause the ice to break.
What a beautiful cavalcade of photographs Ann- Christine presented us in her unique challenge this week. Circular wonders is something that does make your think first of moon, sun, and ball. No? But you can find it in unexpected places when you take a moment to think about it. Half or full circle …
I did some digging and this is what I found. To enlarge the images just click on any of them the the separate galleries – I recommend it 🙂
Now that I covered the obvious choices it is time to concentrate finding something more creative. Few days ago we took our grandkids at the end of their visit to the Helsinki train station and went to have lunch at one of the restaurants there. It used to be a ticket office. It is a big hall, but the interior is softened by circular interior.
Half circle is a log time hit in architecture . The images are from a jewel of national romantic architecture Hvitträsk museum in Espoo ( the darker photos) and the other two from Villa San Michele in Capri.
I did mentions a ball ⚽ Well come on, I could not, not mention fruits and berries.
And then round – circular things that came up and I couldn’t help myself – just had to post them
Thanks John for last week’s journey to the basics of photography. I truly enjoyed it, as it gave the opportunity to reflect on what is essential in photography. Next week we have Patti challenging us with something else, we will have to wait and see what she comes up with.
To participate in this challenge, you should link to or leave a comment on the week’s host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag in your own post, so the post is easily found in the Reader.
And if you want even more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
Charles Aznavour – Tous les visages de l’amour / She
This popped up – and it is such recognized song, mostly as sung by Elvis Costello in ‘Notting Hill’
Aznavour recorded the song in several different languages aside from English, including Spanish, German Italian and his native French.
This was the theme from the UK TV series The Seven Faces of Women. It was written by Herbert Kretzmer, the lyricist of Les Miserables, and Aznavour, who wrote the music.
Lepis is hosting Saturday Classics, you can add your own link here Saturday Classics
On Her page she writes: This blog is back with hosting the Classics after few years break. This time we’ll be playing on Saturdays and you can link straight here on this own page. Rules: There are no rules, as long as the song you play is a classic in your mind. Linking open 8 am and closes 12 pm.
A serene and secluded forest path, enveloped by tall, lush green trees in Queensland. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the smooth, inviting trail. It was a delight to venture along this winding path.
I could not resist, I did two edits of this photo.
I don’t often crop my photos to square, but since I did one, why not try few more just for the fun of it. It does sometimes bring different things to the main focus.
From an aerial vantage point, we peer down onto a nondescript sidewalk. The pavement, a patchwork of square tiles, stretches ahead like a monochromatic ribbon. But it’s not the pavement that captures our attention; it’s the lone figure treading upon it. A person walks, the posture suggests introspection—a deliberate escape from the cacophony of urban life or just maybe she is lost in her own thoughts, oblivious to the world around her .
On either side of the sidewalk, lush trees stand sentinel. Their leaves form a natural canopy, filtering sunlight into dappled patterns. Their branches reach out, as if urging the wanderer to pause, to breathe, to listen. Adjacent to the trees, empty bicycle racks stand in orderly rows. They wait patiently, like forgotten companions, for riders who haven’t arrived. Numbers—cryptic symbols—adorn the road. “20” and “20.” Are they parking spots? Coordinates? We can only speculate. Yet, these markings lend an air of mystery, inviting us to unravel their meaning.
Have a I captured this fleeting moment, preserving it for eternity, a glimpse of quietude.
In this shot you are invited to step into the wanderer’s shoes. To feel the coolness of the pavement, the rustle of leaves, and the weight of our own thoughts. It’s a reminder that amidst the hustle, we can find stillness; in the ordinary, we discover the extraordinary.
So, take a breath. Walk alongside the solitary figure. Let the greenery envelop you. And in this urban reverie, find your own moment of reflection.
Remember: Sometimes, it’s in the spaces between footsteps that life speaks loudest.
20/20
The scene unfolds like a forgotten interlude—a pause in the symphony of urban life. The buildings, stoic and weathered, stand shoulder to shoulder, their walls bearing the marks of time. The beige structure, unassuming yet dignified, seems to lean slightly, as if sharing a secret with its crimson neighbor. And there, nestled between them, lies the narrow street—a silent conduit for wheels and footsteps.
The cars, like obedient sentinels, rest in neat rows. Their colors—pearl white, midnight black—mirror the monochrome palette of the pavement.
And then, the trees. Ah, the trees! their branches stretch upward, defiant against the rigid geometry of man-made structures. Leaves flutter in the breeze, casting fleeting shadows on the asphalt. No bustling crowds disturb this tableau. Only one’s hurried footsteps echo off the walls.
Amidst the beige and the red, the cars and the trees, we glimpse the poetry of stillness.
Here are some photos I took from our visit to the EMMA museum in Espoo.
Below ROLAND PERSSON, PANAMA PAPERS, 2016
Glass and ceramics are made from natural raw materials. When cared for properly, they can last forever. Their enduring appeal rests upon a legacy of skills and knowledge passed down through generations. The visionary artists featured in this collection have been inspired and influenced by international trends, but their work is also informed by local traditions. The result is a unique creative fusion.
Designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen in 1968, the Futuro House is a round, prefabricated dwelling that resembles a flying saucer. Its unique shape and airplane hatch entrance have made it an iconic piece of architecture.
Exhibition Centre WeeGee in Tapiola, Espoo, Finland, houses the first-ever mass-produced Futuro house (No. 001)
This is an old barn that at one point burned but the ruins are still standing. You are not supposed to enter the building, but as you can see, I am not the only one who has been there.
The whispers of history cling to the air like cobwebs, stands a relic of the past—a crumbling brick building. Its walls, once proud and sturdy, now bear the weight of time and neglect.
The focal point of the scene is the remnants of an arched brick structure. Each brick tells a story—a laborer’s sweat, a mason’s precision, and the dreams of generations. The arch, though weathered, still holds a hint of elegance, as if it once welcomed visitors with open arms. But now, it stands as a silent witness to the passage of time.
A door, stubbornly clinging to its frame, beckons me closer. Its dark brown hue suggests years of exposure to the elements. Now, it hangs askew, its wood softened by rain and sun.
Around the ruins, nature reclaims its dominion. Fallen leaves carpet the ground, their fiery hues contrasting with the gray of decay.
Above, an overcast sky weeps silently. It mirrors the melancholy of the scene below. Raindrops, like tears shed for lost memories, have etched patterns on the bricks. The clouds seem to mourn the passage of time, obscuring the sun that once bathed this place in warmth.
For even in decay, there is beauty—a quiet resilience that defies oblivion. And so, I leave the ruins behind, carrying their echoes within me, a witness to their silent tale.
This week it’s very straightforward – photos of different textures. I took my time looking for these and ended up with, once again, too many images. I took lead from Sarah’s great samples.
All images can be enlarged by clicking on them. For Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
Last week I posted pictures of doors and hallways in Ateneum Museum – this is from there too. On the other side of the square you can see the Finnish National Theatre. This week for Ludwigs Monday Window I give this view.
The Finnish Theatre was established in May 1872 . For the first 30 years of its existence, the company operated at the Arkadia theatre. The theatre did not acquire a permanent home until 1902, when a purpose-built theatre was erected in the heart of Helsinki, adjacent to the city’s main railway station. The building design was by architect Onni Törnqvist-Tarjanne. The company moved to its new home on April 9, 1902 and was renamed the Finnish National Theatre.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 